Blood Will Tell
by Jaye Wells
The virgin corpses hung from hooks like grisly angels. The Dominae stood below, their moonbeam skin bared to our eager eyes. They lifted their arms and faces. Blood rained down, coating their hands, their lips, their breasts.
Beneath the coppery tang of blood, the spicy incense permeated the air. The perfume made my pulse quicken and my fangs throb. I licked my lips in anticipation. Tonight, the shroud of shame would finally lift, and I'd take my place among the sanctified.
Lavinia's voice boomed like thunder through the Temple. "Lilith, Mother of the Lilim, accept these acolytes into your arms and help them know your path."
Priestesses caught the blood in goblets. The Dominae waited like crimson statues to judge us. The high Priestess began calling names of the new acolytes. As each female was summoned, she rose and went forward to receive the sanctified blood.
I tried not to fidget for my turn. I dared not.
"Sabina Kane."
I stepped up to the altar, my head bowed. From the corner of my eye, I saw grandmother move. The first flutters of hope beat in my chest. Would she honor me by offering the goblet herself?
"No." The single word burst through the temple like a gunshot. "Not her."
Even now, decades later, I can recall how my dreams choked me as they disintegrated. How the air hit my lungs like wet cement. And how, even as my cheeks burned in shame, she smiled.
37 comments:
Jaye this little teaser has me begging for more. I;m amazed by how much world building is packed into so few words. Truly compelling stuff.
Everything was perfect, right from the title . I have a lot to learn :)
never... ever... piss off your granny ;) lol
Maybe the granny has 'better' plans for her...
Aw, what a sad thing she had to endure! My grandmother made me feel like that from time to time. Loved the scene, so great.
I was never a big fan of this genre... for I knew not that a book about vampires and gore can be written so beautifully...
Sabina Kane has a new fan...
Having already read Red-Headed Stepchild, I can TOTALLY see it. Oh the beginning of *that* relationship.
Gotta tell ya ... I hate Lavinia with a passion. I believe that was the intent? :)
Can we vote for Jaye?
Yikes!
I love grandma's. They are nothing like this lady. :(
Can't wait to read how Sabina plans here revenge. I have a feeling it would be in style. :P
This is amazing Jaye.
What does one has to do to please you enough get their copy signed by you? (Apart from winning this competition i.e. :))
Ohhhh! I love the evil grandmother scene! Here Sabina thought grandma was going to be proud, and instead, grandma stomps on her day!
Sweet short! I need to see Sabina get her revenge.
Dottie :)
So juicy and tantalizing! I can't wait to read RHS and see how this has helped shape Sabina's character.
Maybe grandma has bigger plans for Sabina, but her bitter disappointment certainly left a coppery taste in MY mouth! Beautiful, Jaye!
Bloody impressed as hell. This is why you are published. Thank you for your take on the glass.
Amazing!
To quote an old movie, you had me at hello! First lines -- outstanding, and the rest fulfills the promise.
never... ever... piss off your granny ;) lol
I liked the piece but this made me splutter with laughter.
My comment after reading the first book was WOW! I say so again, can't wait. Yours was my first paranormal, I am hooked.
Being a fan of yours, and Sabina, I liked this harsh glimpse into the backstory. I felt that sting. Frigging grandmother....
In less than 250 words, you showed exactly why your novels need to be in our hands.
Virgin corpses. Grisly angels. Very vivid imagery here. Backstory too. All this in a 250-word flash. I want more.
Hi :)
Thank you for the quick back-story of Sabina's dream of being accepted is yet again destroyed.
Hard to believe that it's just 250 words.
I am in awe of your talent.
:)
Love from Canada
twitter.com/RKCharron
xoxo
Thanks, everyone! I had fun with this one.
Jaye, you've left me blood-thirsty for lots more after reading this backstory!
Can't wait to read your book.
If I didn't already want to know this character and read the book, this would have shoved me into that frame of mind, violently.
"How the air hit my lungs like wet cement."
Really evocative sentence.
This one sounds so cool :)
Good grief! I've only just had my breakfast!
Startlingly good stuff!
Four Dinners
Powerful imagery!! I'm scratching my head over how you managed to develop both your characters and backdrop so completely in so few words!! Love the tension here---totally gripping piece!!!
:-)
I'm gob-smacked! Jaw on the floor.
This is an exceptional piece of writing.
I think I need some wine to settle my nerves after that one. You've got so much story into so few words.
And now I need to lay my hands on a copy of that book.
{{applause}}
Having read the book I can see it happening and feel her emotions. Thank you for sharing that piece with us.
Now when do we get the sequel already? Sheesh! 8)
Rich and vivid telling, Jaye - as Janey says, leaves me wanting more - a whole lot more! Looking forward to reading the book!
jaye: aye, thanks for mentoring; this student learns in awe, from jason wellA2:):) YL
We have to wait HOW long for Book 2?
What draws me in most is the question of whether she was to be rejected anyway, or whether her first flutters of hope led to her rejection. Did she fail the test, or was there something else? The writing of course is superb (Janey said it best with the very first comment). So much built during such a small time.
Excellent!
As a new convert to your series, I've sunk my teeth into as many Sabina Kane stories as I can find. This short took my breath away. You have such a way with emotion: you twine it through your pieces with an expert's finesse, striking at the heart of your reader as you pull them into both character and world. This piece is no exception. I can feel Sabina's longing in the process toward acolyte, and her pain as her grandmother proves she will never receive the acceptance she yearns to claim.
Terrific work. Your writing is addicting. I dove in before I realized you were mid-series; now I'm craving the next installment.
Amazing. I've followed the series since the begining adn this has me begging for more!
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